Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-08-19
EXCURSION TONATUEaLB BRIDGE.
4 Charming Party Taken to This
worlds wonder by Captain
John II. MacmurdO.
Or TIE TRAN, August IS, 1SS


IN the Editor Of the Dispatch:
Captain John Il. Macmurdo had
hind III it, and now you surely wish to
know all about it. Each of fifty young
ladies' Was tickled last week by re-
ceiving q note, of which this is copy:
"Aiv Lcor .SWccHc0rt:
- small party OF us goes to the
Natural Bridge next Tuesday. Can't
YOU go? Bring him along, If he will
not be jealous OF your ailectionate old
daddy, JoHN MAC"
The fifty girls with their "hims"
appeared at the Allegheny depot on
Tuesday morning prepared for the de-
lights TO come. Station after station
contributed its quota until Lynchburg
scrt in the one hundred and thirty first
member of the party, after which the
number was not augmented, though It's
ioys received continuous increments.
Besides the delights of social converse,
tie bliss of gazing into eyes beloved,
and upon checks and lips enticing,
there was buttermilk, bananas. chicken
legs, apple pies, and other delicacies,
which we had thought could be pro-
cured at only Gordonsville or Farm
vile. Arrived at the end OF its railway
journey the party found p large num-
her OF "busses," in addition to those
already obtained, on the rear platform
of the train, and in other secluded
spots. Banios, guitars, sweet voices,
lovely girls, mountains-please ill i'll
the outline for the three miles.
After q Pargantuan performance the
patty absquatulated for the bridge.
The fireworks, continuation of love-
makisg. approximations to Heavens
joys. The illumination showed the
grandeur and loveliness OF Americas
wonder, and the cascade proved so at
tractive that even the love making WAS
temporarily discontinued The fire
works were followed by dancing, and
in the ballroom We heard q young lady
lay down this programme for Wednes-
day ], flirting; ?, ten-pins; 3, ilirt-
ing ; !, waGing ;, flirting 6, nap
ping T, flirting 8, driving; 9, flirt-
ing. No long time after the dance came
breakfast, riding, driving, enthusiasms
over the beauties of nature and of her
daughters. Wednesday WAS passed as
only lovers can pass day, and con-
cluded with german.
The party had engaged the music OF
the Virginia Military Institute Band,
hut even its performances of the day
had not led 10 exaggerated anticipa-
tons of the heel-wafting strains by
which our soles were charmed hither
and thither over the floor of the perfect
ballroom. Forty and half cou
pies participated, but shall not at
tempt en- enumeration OF them. PrOmi-
rtnt among the dancers were Miss
Lyons, of Ashland, pale-bluo satin aud
lace Miss Lulie Lyons, lavender silk
and ostrich plumes Miss Maria Sci
den, Richmond, simple white orglndy.
blue sash, ferns from forbidden grounds;
Miss Leigh, Norfolk, light blue satin,
point lace Misses Childrey, Richmond,
black lace Miss Bransicrd, Lynch
burg. white silk and lace Ilr. Keel
ing. Norfolk, pique shirt with ranbies
NJ. Walter Scott, Richmond, conyen-
,ional black, with scant hirsute orna-
ments on head.
at midnight halt was called for an
elegant banquet. Mt which Colonel Is. ..
James and Mr. i. Is. Raymond made
appropriate speeches in reply to calls
iiom the baDquetcrs. The fayors were
numerous and handsome. The chape-
rons were Mrs. Childrey, Mrs. Warwick,
Mrs. Shafer, Mrs. Bridges. and the
german was admirably led by Mr..
Tucker Darlington. For this delight
full entertainment the dancers were in
debted to Mr.. Klipstein, the proprio-
tor.
have attempted no description of
the bridge, because those who know it
would not read, and those who have
not been there would be misled by my
feeble attempt. For similar reasons |
shall not attempt All account of the
charms Of our genial host. Those who
know him love him. and each Of the
l3l beneiicaries of his latest bounty
would cry shame upon me for having
failed when provided with such sub
ject. He was ubiquitous and seemed
able TO supply every want, from hair
piu to train of cars. Captain, we
take off our hats while the girls all kiss
yon, and cry to them well done. Next
to the Captain in kindness and in cOur-
tesy was Mr.. Harry Selden, to whom
We we're all indebted for much OF our
pleasure.
1be party returned to Richmond
Yesterday afternoon. IL. Nj.